Rockport news

By Stevie Kumble | Nov 18, 2013

Sea Faring Series

Special bonus! Although not originally posted/advertised, there is one more program, at 7 p.m. tonight, Thursday, Nov. 21, in this year’s spectacular series sponsored by the Rockport Library! World-class sailor and adventurer Cam Lewis returns to the Seafaring Series to tell the tale of his latest adventures in a span of 30 days: America’s Cup 34 in San Francisco. Cam will share his personal observations of AC 34-40-knot thrillers and the biggest comeback of all time. As if the America’s Cup weren’t enough of an adrenaline rush, Cam went straight to South Georgia Island just north of Antarctica to attempt Shackleton’s Traverse. Many, many thanks to all the great speakers this year and also kudos to Tom Babbitt, organizer and host of the Seafaring Series. (Thanks for bringing Tom on board again, Jane!).

Books, plus

The Poets’ Workshop facilitated by local poets George Chappell and Jim Ostheimer will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. today,Thursday, Nov. 21.

Booklovers‘ Cafe featuring books, conversation and treats will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23. Everyone welcome. Drop in at 9:30 for informal conversation and coffee. Also, later that afternoon, Martha Mitchell will conduct a special “Felting Fun for Children” workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. You do have to pre-register, space is limited to 12. Children 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult, since felting needles will be used. For more information about the library or programs, call 236-3642 or visit: www.rockport.lib.me.us.

Live at the Bolshoi Ballet

The Strand will present “Le Corsaire” captured live at the Bolshoi Ballet at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24. The adventurous tale of "Le Corsaire" (The Pirate) is based on the poem "The Corsair" by Lord Byron. Call the Strand at 594-0070 or visit www.rocklandstrand.com for tickets or information.

Come one, come all!

Join Merryspring volunteers at 2 p.m. Wednesdays, Nov. 27 and Dec. 4 at (and possibly other days, times - call for full schedule), at the MNC craft studio and enjoy the camaraderie as all the Merry Elves (and crafters, cooks, etc.) work like beavers to complete preparations for Merryspring’s annual Holiday Bazaar. Check to see what things you can do at home on your own schedule and also to see if donated natural (and other) items are still needed. For information call 236-2239.

Can’t wait?!

Only two weeks from today until Merryspring’s Holiday Bazaar begins with members’ sale 2 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5 (you can join MNC that day!), and 16 days until the general Bazaar, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. But if you can’t wait, or you want to get a head start on your decorating, go to www.merryspring.org and shop from the Bazaar Gift Catalog. You’ll be able to pick up orders starting at noon on Friday, Nov. 29.

Holidays

Really early this year, the Jewish observance of Hanukkah begins at sundown on Wednesday, Nov. 27. I love it -- candle lighting, potato latkes and applesauce the day before Thanksgiving! Enjoy.

Early alert

The Town Office and the library will both be closed next Thursday and Friday, Nov. 28 and 29, in celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday. However, the library will be open 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30. Local schools, including Ashwood, will be closed Wednesday through Friday, Nov. 27-29; normal schedules resume Monday, Dec. 2. Check today's paper for special Thanksgiving services and community dinners.

Turkey Trot Pancake Breakfast!

Penobscot Bay YMCA’s annual event will be held from 8:30 to 10 a.m. next Friday, Nov. 29. Join friends and neighbors the day after Thanksgiving for this fun 5K around Camden and Rockport on a fast, scenic course featuring only one hill! Come ready for fun, in costume if you want, while you work off some turkey. There will be awards for various age groups, and registration includes a pancake breakfast after the race.

Shop locally!

The Farnsworth is offering a great incentive to do just that. Friday, Nov. 29, through Saturday, Dec. 7, are special member shopping days where current members will receive a double discount on most purchases in the Museum Store. The store has it all -- from jewelry, calendars and stationery to children's toys, catalogs and art supplies. You are certain to find something special for everyone on your list. Your purchases help support the museum's mission of celebrating Maine's role in American art, with funds going directly back to the Farnsworth.

Maine Farmland Trust

“Inch by Inch, Row by Row,” MFT’s 2013 “Small Works Holiday Show,” will run through Jan. 7, 2014. at the MFT gallery in Belfast.

Night skies

This past week’s full moon (minus and plus), has been wonderful. A couple of nights it was so bright, I woke up thinking it was dawn! I love early mornings and this time of year my bedroom windows are just in the right position to have the sunrise come in one window and shine on and reflect off my Miss Rumphius print hanging on that wall, as well as on the tall, clear glass vase filled with sea glass and the two pictures of my two goldies, Cady and Cassie, sitting atop a short bookcase underneath Miss Rumphius. It’s a lovely way to greet the morning!